N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

3m

5m

5m

5m

3m

5m

0 5m1

0 5m1

0 5m1

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

9 am

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

12 pm

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

3 pm

Shade from Gable & Flat Roof/Skillion Structures

Approx. 26m2 shade (summer)

Approx. 25m2 shade (Summer)

Approx. 26m2 shade (Summer)

Physical Shade Structures Shade provided by shelters

Siting

(Where to locate the shade structure)• Locate the structure to cast shade where it is needed. Give consideration to the time of day and time of year that shade is most required.• Existing ground vegetation near the structure may help lower the temperature of the immediate surrounds. • Well placed existing or new trees near the structure may help reducethereflectiveradiationcausedby surrounding surfaces. • Astructuresurroundedbylessreflectivesurfaces will generally stay cooler (eg. grass rather than concrete). • Consider how people use the space and the time of day most people use it. Make sure to site the structure to maximise its usage.

Orientation

(How to angle the structure for maximum benefit)• Alignthestructurewherepossibletoprovide maximum shade during peak UV periods (typically10am–3pmfromSeptembertotheendofApril). Considerthesiting(seeabove)andtimeofyear.• A rectangular structure orientated east-west will predominantly shade the southern side the most. • Theheightoftheroofabovegroundlevelwillaffectwherethe shade is cast. • Wherepossible,orientopensidesofthestructuretowards anyincomingbreezes.• Be mindful of where winter shadows will fall to avoid shading key infrastructure at times when sun exposure is encouraged.

Type (Selecting the best form of shade structure)• Generally,thelargertheroofarea,themoreshadeprovided.• Square or rectangular forms will generally provide the most shade economy. Narrow or unusual shaped structures can belesseffective.• Opaque (solid) materials provide greater shade and radiation protection than translucent (partially see-through) ones.• Lightcoloursreflectradiationmoreeffectivelythan dark colours. Consider using a light coloured roof to reduce heat under the structure.• Additional design elements such as eaves or slatted sidescanincreasetheshadeprovidedbythestructure.

Consider the following when deciding on your shade structure design:

The diagrams below are based on a 25m2 roof area (notionally a 5 x 5m gable roof). A flat or skillion roof of the same area will have a similar shade effect. The coloured arcs show movement of the sun throughout the day from east to west.

GableRoofSkillion/Flat

Roof

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

N

E

W

10m10m

0 5m1

0 5m1

0 5m1

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

9 am

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

12 pm

Summer shadowsWinter shadows

3 pm

Shade from Trees

Area of shadow cast will vary by tree selection.

Area of shadow cast will vary by tree selection.

Area of shadow cast will vary by tree selection.

Natural Shade Shade provided by planting trees

Consider the following when selecting a tree for natural shade:

Species selection (What characteristics to consider when selecting trees)• Amediumheighttreewillprovidethebestshade (7-15m height). • Denserfoliage(leaves)createsamoresolidbarrierto radiation. • A larger canopy generally provides a greater area of shade. • Formaximumshadeprotection,selectbroadleafed species. Some species have thin leaves that do not alwaysprovidethebestshadecanopy.• Deciduous trees will provide adequate shade in summer and let light through in winter.• Native & indigenous species are generally evergreen and will not lose their leaves. . • Fast growing species can provide shade in a shorter time orconsiderplantingadvancedtreeswherepossible.

Siting

(Location and spacing of trees)• Generally planting to the North-West of where you require theshadewillprovidethemostbenefitfrommidday through to sunset when direct solar radiation is most damaging. • Planting to the West of where you require the shade will help later in the afternoon when the sun is lower onthehorizon.• Denser planting will generally provide more continuous shade(numberoftreesandproximitytoeach other)howevertreegrowthmayberestricted.• Wider spacing of trees will generally allow trees to filloutmoreovertime,providingmoregenerouscanopies.

Other species selection and planting notes

• Consultyourcouncil’shorticulturalist/landscapearchitect, orlocalnursery/treesupplier,todeterminethebest

treespeciesforthechosenlocation,conditionsandrequirements.

The diagrams below depict an established, 10m tall tree and the resulting shade effect. The coloured arcs show movement of the sun throughout the day from east to west.

Multiple trees with overlapping canopies can provide more continuous shade.

Sin

gle

Tree

Mul

tiple

Tre

es